UNICEF HK?????????? ‘for every child, hygiene’

Protecting children in low-income families living in 10,000 sub-divided flats to fight the epidemic

Mr Martin Lee pledged a donation for purchase of 1 million child face masks through Henderson Development Anti-Epidemic Fund

HONG KONG, CHINA - Media
OutReach - 13 March
2020 -UNICEF HK
is working with our partners to keep children and their families safe amid
COVID-19 outbreak. As
part of the global efforts in preventing the spread of the virus and reducing
stress and anxiety among children and adolescents, 「童你抗疫」衞生行動 'for every child, hygiene' disseminates educational resources on personal hygiene, disease
prevention and control to 10,000 grassroots families living in subdivided
flats. Over 100 volunteers will be trained to share preventative measures to
inform children, pregnant women and families about how to protect themselves.
They will conduct home visits to these low-income families to understand children's
concerns in combating the epidemic and facilitate effective communications on the
educational resources. In addition, hygiene bags with personal care items will
be handed out during the home visits. This response has received support from the HKSAR
Government, and non-governmental organizations (NGOs) serving these families
have already started reaching out through their strong local networks.

The COVID-19 epidemic has created an acute demand of surgical masks, as the Centre for Health Protection has
advised the public to wear a mask when taking public transport or staying in
crowded places. However, the availability of face masks, especially, child face
masks is limited. If classes resume in mid-April, the demand of child face
masks will see a continuous and substantial increase. In view of this
challenging situation, Mr Martin Lee
Ka-shing, pledged a donation for purchase of one million child face masks through
Henderson Development Anti-Epidemic Fund -- a philanthropic fund set up by the
Lee Family - to UNICEF HK, for children in need. UNICEF HK deeply appreciates
Mr Lee's kindness and generosity, and will work with local partners to respond
to public needs in phases.

According to the Census and
Statistics Department, about 40,000 children aged 15 years or below come from
low income families who live in subdivided flats. The first phase of 'for every
child, hygiene' targets 10,000 subdivided households and aims to protect the
health of over one-quarter of the disadvantaged children living in subdivided
flats. Chronically ill children, who have a weakened immune system, will also
be benefitted. Through government assistance and support from the robust
networks of NGOs serving these families, we identify the targeted families by
referencing to the Community Care Fund's beneficiary selection criteria.

UNICEF HK Chairman Ms Judy Chen said, "Due to lack of resources, our fragile
grassroots children and families have been exposed to huge risk under the
current health crisis. Thanks to the efforts and support from the community,
UNICEF HK is able to coordinate with the government and key stakeholders and
launch 'for every child, hygiene' within a short period of time. This action not
only benefits the most in need in our society but also echoes UNICEF's global
action to create a safety net for every child."

UNICEF HK Chief Executive Mr Lambert Chan
said, "I am grateful for the trust that the sponsors and supporters have placed
in UNICEF HK, as well as their swift action in supporting our emergency
response for children. Hong
Kong is going through a difficult moment now. While people have to exercise
their individual responsibility to help fight the virus, I am delighted to see
that different sectors are working in solidarity to scale up
infection prevention efforts."

Among
other activities, UNICEF HK has been working with local authorities to
sanitize households of the identified low-income communities, with the support
of Raze Technology, which is one of our corporate partners. At the same time, 30 NGOs
have already provided robust support at the local level. They help
reaching out to beneficiary families and coordinating efforts in relation to
'for every child, hygiene'. We call upon more NGOs to work with us so that more
families can be benefitted. Please contact us by email at [email protected]

Globally,
UNICEF is actively taking steps to provide accurate information about
the virus by working with the World Health Organization, government authorities
and with online partners like Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn and TikTok to make
sure that accurate information and advice is available, as well as taking steps
to inform the public when inaccurate information emerges. In containing the
spread of the virus, UNICEF has flown in
more than 30 tons of supplies, including protective
suits, masks, goggles and gloves to the most affected regions since
January. At the moment, UNICEF urgently appeals for
US$42.3 million to support its global response to the outbreak. Please donate
generously.

About UNICEF

UNICEF works in
the world's toughest places to reach the most disadvantaged children and
adolescents -- and to protect the rights of every child, everywhere. Across 190 countries
and territories, we do whatever it takes to help children survive, thrive and
fulfil their potential, from early childhood through adolescence.